CBT smartphone app to help prevent postpartum depression
A novel app-based cognitive behavioral therapy intervention for preventing postpartum depression
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · WOMEN AND INFANTS HOSPITAL-RHODE ISLAND · NIH-11163404
This project provides a smartphone app that delivers group-based cognitive behavioral therapy to help prevent postpartum depression in new mothers, especially those facing barriers to in-person care.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WOMEN AND INFANTS HOSPITAL-RHODE ISLAND (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PROVIDENCE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11163404 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would use a smartphone app that delivers the Mothers and Babies cognitive behavioral therapy program in a group-style format, with lessons, activities, and remote support. The study recruits pregnant and postpartum women, with attention to low-income women and women of color who face access barriers. Researchers will follow participants for months after birth to track mood symptoms, app use, and attendance at postpartum visits. The aim is to expand access to effective mental health support beyond the limited window of traditional postpartum care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Pregnant or recently postpartum women, particularly those with limited access to in-person care (for example, low-income women and women of color), are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People currently needing urgent psychiatric care, those with moderate-to-severe untreated depression, or those without a smartphone or who prefer in-person therapy may not benefit from this app-based approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the app could lower rates of postpartum depression and make mental health care more accessible after childbirth.
How similar studies have performed: In-person Mothers and Babies CBT has cut postpartum depression by about half in low-income women of color, but delivering the program via a smartphone group app is newer and not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
PROVIDENCE, UNITED STATES
- WOMEN AND INFANTS HOSPITAL-RHODE ISLAND — PROVIDENCE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LEWKOWITZ, ADAM KORRICK — WOMEN AND INFANTS HOSPITAL-RHODE ISLAND
- Study coordinator: LEWKOWITZ, ADAM KORRICK
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.